NIPOMO - State officials are looking into the death of a construction worker who died Wednesday from a heat-related illness.
The near record-breaking heat for the last couple of days has been the talk of talk Central Coast and after the tragic death of 41-year-old Jesse Maldonado, the talk has become a discussion of prevention.
Maldonado was working on the Willow Road Interchange Project in Nipomo when he lost his life.
He became sick and was transported to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.
Officials haven't said exactly what caused his death, but Cal-Fire said he suffered from a heat-related illness.
"If you're working outside, it's a little hard to avoid the heat. The biggest thing obviously is hydration, keep plenty of fluids. Take breaks when you're working," said Dr. Eric Ellis of Marian Medical Center.
According to the State Department of Industrial Relations' web site, employers are required to take the following steps to prevent heat illness: train all employees and supervisors of heat illness prevention; provide enough fresh water; provide access to shade; and develop and implement written procedures for complying with state standards.
"The best thing honestly is try not to exert yourself during the warmest times of the day," Ellis said. "Try to do your activities when it's cooler, the evenings or the mornings. Try to take that time in the middle of the day when it's hottest and avoid the direct sunlight."
Cal-Fire said it received the emergency call shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Cal-OSHA investigators will continue to look into exactly what caused the death of Maldonado.
